Campanula glomerata dahurica (Bellflower) — Clump-forming, mat-forming or upright depending on species

Overview

Campanula glomerata dahurica is a clump-forming, mat-forming or upright depending on species perennial in the genus Campanula, part of the Campanulaceae family, with deciduous or semi-evergreen; basal rosettes of rounded or heart-shaped leaves, narrower up the stem foliage. It typically grows around 1.0 m tall. Campanula glomerata dahurica grows best in full sun to partial shade, and tolerates loam and chalk or sand; most tolerate poor soils soils and neutral to alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5-H7.

About

Campanula glomerata dahurica is a perennial bellflower in the Campanulaceae that can form clumps, mats or develop upright flowering stems. It bears basal rosettes of rounded or heart-shaped leaves with narrower leaves higher on the stem and reaches about 1.0 m. Flowering occurs from June to September. It prefers full sun to partial shade on neutral to alkaline soils and copes with a range of soil types, including poorer loams, chalk and sand.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Campanula glomerata

About the genus

Campanula is the type genus of the Campanulaceae family of flowering plants. Campanula are commonly known as bellflowers and take both their common and scientific names from the bell-shaped flowers—campanula is Latin for "little bell".

Wikipedia contributors, "Campanula", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Campanula

In the garden

Campanula glomerata dahurica sits within the bellflower family as a perennial that may be clump-forming, mat-forming or take an upright habit. Plants develop basal rosettes of rounded or cordate leaves with smaller, narrower leaves on the stem and typically reach around 1.0 m. Flowering runs from June to September, producing the season-long presence of blooms at the top of its stems. Position it in full sun to partial shade on neutral to alkaline soil; it performs on loam, chalk or sand and will tolerate poorer soils where moisture remains available. The substrate should be moist but well drained — alpine or very free-draining situations need sharp drainage to avoid waterlogging. It will tolerate exposed or sheltered sites and is winter-hardy across most UK conditions (H5–H7, hardy to fully hardy). With its metre height and summer flowering period, Campanula glomerata dahurica suits mid- to rear-border positions where it can rise above low companions, or in more open areas where its rosette leaves are not overshadowed. Allow space for its habit and avoid deep shade to keep the basal foliage healthy; expect a clear display of seasonal flowers from June through September when placed in a suitably sunny or partly shaded spot.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Campanula

Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Soil type: Loam, chalk or sand; most tolerate poor soils
Soil pH: Neutral to alkaline
Soil moisture: Moist but well drained; alpine kinds need sharp drainage
Aspect: Any except deep shade
Exposure: Exposed or sheltered
UK hardiness: H5-H7

Plant details

Campanula glomerata dahurica size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, mat-forming or upright depending on species
Foliage: Deciduous or semi-evergreen; basal rosettes of rounded or heart-shaped leaves, narrower up the stem
Height: 1.0 m

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Campanula glomerata dahurica

Cultivation: Undemanding given drainage and a reasonably open position. The taller border kinds are worth supporting early, since heavy rain will flatten a flowering stem and it will not lift again. Deadheading extends the season considerably, and the vigorous spreading species are best sited where they can run without swamping smaller neighbours.
Pruning: Cut flowered stems back to basal growth to encourage a second, lighter flush. Tidy remaining foliage in late autumn, or leave the rosettes intact over winter on alpine kinds.
Propagation: Divide in spring or autumn, and take basal cuttings in spring for named cultivars. Species come readily from seed sown fresh, and several self-sow where conditions suit.
Pest resistance: Slugs and snails are the real problem, particularly on emerging spring growth and on alpine rosettes.
Disease resistance: Generally healthy; rust and powdery mildew appear on crowded or drought-stressed plants.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Campanula glomerata dahurica?

Undemanding given drainage and a reasonably open position. The taller border kinds are worth supporting early, since heavy rain will flatten a flowering stem and it will not lift again. Deadheading extends the season considerably, and the vigorous spreading species are best sited where they can run without swamping smaller neighbours.

Where is the best place to plant Campanula glomerata dahurica?

Campanula glomerata dahurica prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.

What soil does Campanula glomerata dahurica need?

Campanula glomerata dahurica grows best in loam and chalk or sand; most tolerate poor soils soil. It prefers neutral to alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well drained; alpine kinds need sharp drainage.

How do I prune Campanula glomerata dahurica?

Cut flowered stems back to basal growth to encourage a second, lighter flush. Tidy remaining foliage in late autumn, or leave the rosettes intact over winter on alpine kinds.

How big does Campanula glomerata dahurica grow?

Campanula glomerata dahurica reaches a height of 1.0 m.

Is Campanula glomerata dahurica hardy in the UK?

Campanula glomerata dahurica has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Campanula glomerata dahurica?

Divide in spring or autumn, and take basal cuttings in spring for named cultivars. Species come readily from seed sown fresh, and several self-sow where conditions suit.

More in the Campanula genus

Browse all Campanula →